Hospice mascot gets a clean

Buddy the charity bear got into a right spin when he was forced to clean up his act.

The St Clare’s Hospice’s mascot has been given a new lease of life thanks to community interest company South Tyneside Community Laundry.

Over the past few years Buddy has been a staple part of St Clare’s fundraising events and is always a big hit with the children – but he’d got a little dirty.

Tyler Anderson, community fundraiser, said: “Buddy is an essential part of our team and we rely on volunteers to don the costume and become our special mascot.

“We were delighted when South Tyneside Community Laundry offered to launder Buddy free of charge.”

Stuart Urwin, company director of the Hebburn-based service, said: “When we heard about Buddy, we were delighted to donate our services and support St Clare’s Hospice; we’re always up for an unusual challenge! We hope that getting cleaned isn’t too bad for Buddy and he’s able to ‘bear’ it.”